Methods and systems for dispersing decontamination products

Abstract

An electrostatic spraying system for decontamination of a vehicle is described. The system includes a wheeled platform sized to fit inside the vehicle, at least one tank operable to contain one or more decontaminant agents, the tanks supported by said wheeled platform, a plurality of nozzles affixed to the wheeled platform, wherein each nozzle is positioned for distribution of the decontaminant agents in at least one pre-determined direction, an electrostatic charging system connected to each of the nozzles for applying an electrostatic charge to the decontaminant agents as the agents are dispersed, and at least one compressor in communication with the tanks for pressurizing the decontaminant agents. The one or more compressors are capable of providing a pressure sufficient to provide a constant distribution of the decontaminant agents through the electrostatic nozzles.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The field of the disclosure relates generally to decontamination of enclosed spaces where persons periodically gather, and more specifically, to methods and systems for dispersing decontamination products such as biological and chemical decontamination products.[0002]Recently, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic has revealed a clear vulnerability regarding global disease transmission, and its effect on the global economy. One industry that was seriously affected is the transportation industry which includes the airline industry. Current concerns over the H1N1 virus have reaffirmed the effect of such pandemics on the global economy as well as the economics of the airline industry. For example, during the SARS pandemic, airlines lost billions of dollars of revenue due to maintenance and reduced aircraft availability.[0003]The long decontamination processes, currently recommended by the CDC requires using manual wipe out of the surfaces, which can be e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an electrostatic spraying system for decontaminating a vehicle or an aircraft cabin. The system includes a wheeled platform with tanks for containing decontaminant agents, nozzles for dispersing the agents, an electrostatic charging system, and a compressor for pressurizing the agents. The system can be manually operated or automated, and it allows for efficient and effective decontamination of large areas. The technical effects of the invention include improved decontamination efficiency, reduced risk of human exposure to harmful chemicals, and improved safety for the environment.

Problems solved by technology

Recently, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic has revealed a clear vulnerability regarding global disease transmission, and its effect on the global economy.

For example, during the SARS pandemic, airlines lost billions of dollars of revenue due to maintenance and reduced aircraft availability.

The long decontamination processes, currently recommended by the CDC requires using manual wipe out of the surfaces, which can be easily seen as impacting aircraft operation and could contribute to a loss of revenues for airlines.

For example, manual disinfecting of an aircraft vehicle is very time consuming.

For a typical commercial aircraft this manual wipe down process can take days or even weeks to complete.

As the process is performed by airline personnel, there are limitations to this “cloth and bucket” approach.

Manual sprayers are known, but again, such a process can be inadequate and less efficient.

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